From the Research
Yes, coxsackie viruses can cause hepatitis, as evidenced by recent studies, including one from 2023 1, which highlights the antiviral and immunoregulatory effects of curcumin on coxsackievirus B3-infected hepatitis. Coxsackieviruses, particularly those in group B (types B1-B6), can infect the liver and cause viral hepatitis, though this is less common than their typical manifestations of hand-foot-mouth disease, myocarditis, or meningitis. The infection typically presents with symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Jaundice Most cases of coxsackie-induced hepatitis are self-limiting and resolve within 1-3 weeks with supportive care including rest, adequate hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (avoiding NSAIDs if liver function is compromised), as noted in a case report from 2011 2. No specific antiviral treatment exists for coxsackievirus infections. The virus spreads through the fecal-oral route or respiratory droplets, and infection occurs when the virus enters the bloodstream and reaches the liver, where it can cause inflammation and damage to liver cells. While most cases resolve completely, severe cases can occasionally occur, particularly in newborns, immunocompromised individuals, or pregnant women, highlighting the importance of awareness and monitoring, as discussed in a review of the global landscape of coxsackieviruses in human health from 2024 3. Additionally, coxsackievirus infections have been associated with other conditions, such as acute renal failure and hepatitis, as reported in a case study from 2018 4, and have been found to infect mesangial cells, leading to a histological picture resembling mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis and IgA-nephropathy in mice, as noted in a study from 2006 5.